Chess Celebrate 15th Birthday

Published on 25/03/2008

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There was cause for celebration in Alderley Edge last week, as Chess, one of the UK’s fastest growing telecoms companies, celebrated its fifteenth year in both business and the village by offering all 01625 businesses free local calls!

As one of the many stars to call Alderley Edge home, Chess has enjoyed 15 successful years, building an excellent reputation in the telecoms industry and picking up some high profile awards along the way including the Sunday Times Fast Track 100, Cheshire Large Business of the Year and Ernst & Young’s Technology and Communications Entrepreneur of the Year for Chief Executive – David Pollock.

Chess launched the offer to encourage local businesses to experience the benefits it can offer as well as show its appreciation for their contribution to its success.

The local community has played an important part in Chess’ success. Its growth has led to it becoming a significant source of employment and Chess is committed to a policy of recruiting local talent. It also puts a great deal of emphasis on people development, seeing this as the route to future growth.

Julie Wright, Operations Director, who received a special award on the anniversary, has been with the business from day one and has experienced her own growth and success, alongside that of Chess.

Starting as financial controller, Julie completed her AAT and CIMA qualifications with support and funding from the business. She was soon promoted to the board of directors as Finance Director and her current role encompasses this side of the business as well as Operations.

“When Chess started, we were in a tiny office above a shop on London Road,” she recalled. “It was crowded even though there were only a few of us and my desk was under a leaky, and quite unstable, roof! It was a world away from the big, feng shui’d offices we have now.”

Despite Chess’ rapid growth however, it has not lost sight of the reasons it was established in the first place. “It was always our aim to build a business of which we can all be truly proud.” Julie explained. “We are wholly committed to our core values of quality and spirit and these govern everything about the way the business is run. This includes our culture of exceeding customer expectations and how we always make sure we work hard, have fun and celebrate our successes.”

This is exactly what Chess did on its birthday with a cake and a meal at London Road’s Gusto and not wanting its neighbours to miss out on the party, the incredible offer for free local calls for 01625 businesses!

“Alderley Edge has been Chess’ home for fifteen years now,” said Chief Executive – David Pollock. “Since our establishment we have grown rapidly and we’re proud of our reputation as one of the UK’s leading business telecoms companies. We recognise the importance of local business and always try to work with local suppliers. Our special offer of free local calls for 01625 businesses was launched to say thank you for your support over the years.”